We are located in N. Illinois. Our first frost date is mid October.

I grow about 30 Cannas in our annual flower bed. I do not habe them in our
pond. They are six-eight feet tall. I label each with its color. Allow
first frost, which destroys vegetation. Dig tubers. Cut off all but two
inches of stem. Hose off all dirt. Place in trays for a month to dry in our
garage. Place in plastic garbage bags leaving the openings open. Just fold
over to breath. The garage stays very cold, but does not freeze. I
purchased cheap plastic storage containers at Walmart, 3'x2'x18". In April,
place Canna tubers in tubs. Cover with a mix of one half earth , one half
sand a depth of about 8 inches. Water and keep moist, NOT wet. When sunny
and warm, place outside. At night if cold and frosty, bring into garage or
similar room. They should sprout a foot or so. Plant after last frost, for
us mid May.

I think taro tubers could be treated in the same way.

Professionals would probably dust the tubers with something to inhibit
mildew.

Martin

"Tom Puskar" wrote in message
...
Need some advice on what to do with Cannas, taro and umbrella palms over
the Winter. Last year I brought them inside and put them near windows or
under track lighting in my indoor pond. When I put them back outside they
flourished to say the least. I have about 8 blooming cannas, 7 umbrella
palms some of which are 4-5 feet tall and two very sturdy pots of taro.
Some of these should probably be split again. Problem is I don't have
enough windows to house all these plants and keep them healthy over the NJ
Winter. They certainly can't stay outside and I don't know what else to do
with them.

Any suggestions from this crowd?

Thanks,

Tom in Howell, NJ